3 rem equals 36 pt.
Table of Contents
The conversion from rem to pt depends on the base font size in pixels and the relationship between pixels and points. Since 1 rem typically equals 16 pixels and 1 point equals 1.333 pixels, converting 3 rem to points involves multiplying 3 by 16 and then dividing by 1.333, resulting in 36 pt.
Conversion Tool
Result in pt:
Conversion Formula
The formula to convert rem to pt uses the relationship between pixels and points, and the fact that 1 rem equals the root element’s font size in pixels. The default root font size is 16 pixels. Also, 1 point equals 1.333 pixels.
Therefore, the formula is:
points = rem × (pixels per rem) ÷ (pixels per point)
By substituting values:
- pixels per rem = 16 (default)
- pixels per point = 1.333
So,
points = rem × 16 ÷ 1.333
For example, 3 rem:
points = 3 × 16 ÷ 1.333 = 48 ÷ 1.333 ≈ 36 pt
Conversion Example
- Convert 5 rem to pt:
- Start with 5 rem
- Multiply by 16 pixels: 5 × 16 = 80 pixels
- Divide by 1.333 pixels per point: 80 ÷ 1.333 ≈ 60 pt
- Convert 2.5 rem to pt:
- 2.5 × 16 = 40 pixels
- 40 ÷ 1.333 ≈ 30 pt
- Convert 0.75 rem to pt:
- 0.75 × 16 = 12 pixels
- 12 ÷ 1.333 ≈ 9 pt
- Convert 10 rem to pt:
- 10 × 16 = 160 pixels
- 160 ÷ 1.333 ≈ 120 pt
Conversion Chart
| Rem | Points (pt) |
|---|---|
| -22.0 | -264.0000 |
| -20.0 | -240.0000 |
| -18.0 | -216.0000 |
| -16.0 | -192.0000 |
| -14.0 | -168.0000 |
| -12.0 | -144.0000 |
| -10.0 | -120.0000 |
| -8.0 | -96.0000 |
| -6.0 | -72.0000 |
| -4.0 | -48.0000 |
| -2.0 | -24.0000 |
| 0.0 | 0.0000 |
| 2.0 | 24.0000 |
| 4.0 | 48.0000 |
| 6.0 | 72.0000 |
| 8.0 | 96.0000 |
| 10.0 | 120.0000 |
| 12.0 | 144.0000 |
| 14.0 | 168.0000 |
| 16.0 | 192.0000 |
| 18.0 | 216.0000 |
| 20.0 | 240.0000 |
| 22.0 | 264.0000 |
| 24.0 | 288.0000 |
| 26.0 | 312.0000 |
| 28.0 | 336.0000 |
The chart lists rem values from -22.0 to 28.0 with their equivalent in points, you can look up any rem value easily, and see its point equivalent for quick reference without calculating manually.
Related Conversion Questions
- How many points equal 3 rem in CSS design?
- What is the formula to convert 3 rem units to points?
- Is 3 rem larger or smaller than 36 pt?
- How do 3 rem convert to points when root font size changes?
- Can 3 rem be directly used as points in print layouts?
- What is the pixel equivalent of 3 rem before converting to points?
- How to calculate the points value for 3 rem in typography?
Conversion Definitions
rem: Rem stands for “root em” and is a relative CSS length unit based on the font size of the root element (usually the <html> tag). Unlike em which is relative to parent elements, rem always refers to the root, providing consistent scaling across a webpage.
pt: Pt, or point, is a physical unit of length used mainly in print and typography. One point equals 1/72 of an inch. On digital screens, it commonly converts to pixels based on screen density, where 1 pt is roughly 1.333 pixels. Points maintain consistent size across devices.
Conversion FAQs
Does the root font size affect how rem converts to points?
Yes, the rem unit is relative to the root element’s font size. If the base font size changes from the default 16 pixels to another value, the conversion to points changes accordingly because rem equals that pixel value. The formula must adjust using the new pixel size.
Why use points instead of pixels or rem in design?
Points are a fixed physical measurement traditionally used in print media, ensuring consistent size across devices and resolutions. Pixels and rem units vary based on screen resolution or viewport settings, so points are preferred when exact physical sizes are needed, like in printed documents.
Can negative rem values be converted to points?
Technically, yes. Negative rem values represent negative lengths in CSS, which can be converted mathematically to negative points by applying the same formula. However, negative lengths are generally used for offsets or positioning, not for font sizes or typical measurements.
Is the conversion exact for all devices and browsers?
The conversion relies on assumptions: default root font size of 16 pixels and one point equals 1.333 pixels. Different browsers, user settings, or device pixel densities can cause small variations. So, while the formula is precise mathematically, rendering might differ slightly.
How to convert rem to points if the root font size is not 16 pixels?
Use the actual root font size in pixels instead of 16 in the formula. For example, if the root font size is 20 pixels, the formula becomes: points = rem × 20 ÷ 1.333. This adjustment ensures accurate conversion based on the real font size used in the document.